Tom Kelley Buick Fort Wayne Indiana

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The story of Tom Kelley Buick in Fort Wayne, Indiana is a testament to family, integrity, and automotive excellence that spans generations. Founded on August 21, 1952, by the late Jim Kelley on the same day his son Tom was born, this dealership has become a cornerstone of the local automotive community, embodying a legacy of trust and exceptional customer service.

A Family Legacy of Automotive Excellence

Jim Kelley’s journey into the automotive world was anything but conventional. After working on his family farm during the Great Depression and co-founding Kelley Flying Service, he was introduced to car dealerships by a chance encounter with an Indianapolis Dodge dealer. Within just 90 days, he became a Dodge dealer, laying the foundation for what would become Kelley Automotive Group.

Building a Trusted Automotive Destination

The dealership’s philosophy has always been simple yet powerful: treat every customer like a friend. Tom Kelley recalls a pivotal moment early in his career when a couple purchased a Buick LeSabre based purely on their trust in his father’s reputation. His father’s advice was straightforward: “If you treat every customer as if they’re your best friend, you’ll be okay.”

Expansion and Innovation

Over the decades, Tom Kelley Buick has grown significantly. The dealership is now part of a larger automotive group that includes:

• Multiple dealership locations in Fort Wayne and Decatur
• Representation of 14 different automotive brands
• A commitment to serving Northeastern Indiana and beyond

Community and Customer-Focused Approach

The Kelley Automotive Group has always been more than just a business. With core values of integrity, compassion, and community involvement, they’ve built a reputation that extends far beyond selling cars. The company’s mission statement begins with two powerful words: “We serve”.

🚗 Note: The dealership continues to innovate, with recent expansions including a state-of-the-art facility on 55 acres off I-69, featuring new buildings for multiple brands and a cutting-edge body shop.

Continuing the Family Tradition

Today, the business is led by Tom Kelley as President, his son Jim Kelley as CEO, and his daughter Stephanie Hartman as COO. They’ve maintained the family-owned feel while growing to employ over 700 people across their dealerships.

The legacy of Tom Kelley Buick remains a powerful story of automotive passion, family commitment, and unwavering dedication to customer service. From its humble beginnings in 1952 to its current status as a multi-brand automotive group, the Kelley name continues to represent trust, quality, and exceptional customer care in Fort Wayne, Indiana.